Escape from Stamina Drain!
The “Tears of the Fairy Queen” was about the size of a regular marble, while the “Elixir of Love and Respect” was slightly larger, about the size of a small pebble. I managed to fit both into my mouth at once, and as soon as I started rolling them around with my tongue, I felt the elixir burst open.
“Delicious.”
At first, there was a sharp, tingling sensation, but it quickly transformed into a refreshing, cool taste that filled my mouth. It was so pleasant that I wanted to keep it there forever. But knowing I couldn’t, I swallowed it once it had melted enough. I waited with anticipation for the messages to appear in the air.
“You have consumed the Tears of the Fairy Queen. You have gained 2 free attribute points.”
“You have consumed the Elixir of Love and Respect. You have gained 10 stamina attribute points. Magic attribute points are capped and not included.”
“Ugh.”
Seeing the messages, I couldn’t help but click my tongue. I had hoped that consuming them together might grant me the extra 2 magic points, but of course, nothing happened. I clicked my tongue in disappointment, then suddenly chuckled at a thought.
“How greedy I’ve become.”
In my first run, I struggled to find even one of these. Sure, it took a lot of resources this time, but gaining 10 points was still a huge achievement. Yet, human greed knows no bounds, and the once-refreshing taste in my mouth turned bitter. After a few moments of contemplation, I opened my status window.
[Strength 96(+2)] [Endurance 92] [Agility 98] [Stamina 72] [Magic 96] [Luck 90(+2)]
(Remaining attribute points: 14 free points and 10 stamina points, totaling 24 points.)
A total of 24 points. Even though 10 of them were restricted to stamina, it was still an impressive number. I instinctively moved to increase my stamina but hesitated.
I had resolved to address my stamina issue. That resolve hadn’t changed. But what if another opportunity, which I thought was my last, presented itself? If I didn’t max out my attributes now, perhaps I could use another elixir later.
“No, but with my current condition… I can’t hold out much longer.”
My stamina recovery was sluggish, and the aftereffects from the expedition to the magical city of Magia were still lingering. With only 72 stamina points, I was dealing with injuries that were hard to manage. I couldn’t be sure how long it would take to recover or if raising my stamina to the 80s would even heal my injuries.
I spent the entire night pondering but couldn’t come to a definitive answer. I tapped the table with my finger, then let out a long sigh.
My chest felt tight, but I didn’t want to make a rash decision and regret it later. After some more thought, I closed the status window. I needed advice, and there was only one person who knew more about this than I did.
Seraph.
Though I wasn’t fond of her, she had never led me astray, except at the very end of my first run. As an angel tasked with assisting users, she always provided sound advice.
The darkness that had filled the room was now completely gone, replaced by warm sunlight streaming through the window. It was about time for everyone to wake up.
With the thought of stepping outside, I left the desk and opened the door, suddenly recalling the name of the elixir.
“What was it called again…?”
As expected, the clan members gathered in the dining room on the first floor. After wandering around the clan house last night and going to bed late, they were bound to be hungry. Diligent Go Yeon-ju had bought ingredients early in the morning, allowing us to enjoy her cooking for the first time in a while.
“Hey, Lee Yoo-jung. Did you check out the bathroom?”
“Yeah, I went in first thing this morning. It’s different from the ones at the inn. Hehe.”
“When you tap the stone, water gushes out from the magic circle. It’s really something.”
“I want to try the public bath later. They say it has a sauna too.”
“Indeed, our mercenary goddess Ha-yeon.”
“Hyun, if you keep teasing, you’ll get in trouble.”
The clan members were chatting away, taking up just one table in the large dining room. Vivian and Shin Sang-yong were nowhere to be seen, likely exhausted from making the elixir and unable to wake up.
As I took a spoonful of the meat-filled stew, Go Yeon-ju, who had been glancing at me, spoke up cautiously.
“Soo-hyun, does the food suit your taste?”
“Go Yeon-ju’s cooking is always delicious.”
“Thank you. By the way, how did the elixir turn out yesterday?”
“It went well enough.”
I nodded while chewing the stew, and Go Yeon-ju gently set down her fork, turning slightly towards me.
“Do you have any plans for this afternoon?”
“Yes, I plan to visit the temple. It’s quite important… Why do you ask?”
“Oh, it’s nothing. Now that we have a clan house, we need to organize the interior, like hiring staff…”
“We’ll find staff easily enough. There are plenty of residents around. For now, just take a look around today and note down anything you need. Submit it at tomorrow’s meeting.”
”…Ah, okay.”
Her response was a beat late, and her expression had briefly stiffened. I wondered if I had misspoken, but before I could dwell on it, Kim Han-byeol, who was feeding a unicorn, looked up at me.
“Um… Oppa, are you going to the temple today?”
“Yeah.”
“I have to go there too. I got a summons a while back, and I think I’ve delayed it too long…”
“Really? Then we can go together. I’ll head there after organizing the storage, so be ready.”
“Okay, Oppa.”
Kim Han-byeol nodded with a bright smile and resumed feeding the baby unicorn, who responded with a cheerful “Kyu!” when she asked if it was tasty.
I watched the scene for a moment before returning to my meal.
“Oppa, oppa!”
Lee Yoo-jung interrupted, having finished her chatter. I set down my spoon, and she clasped her hands together with a pleading look.
“I want that~.”
“Want what?”
“That~~.”
Like a cat begging for attention, Lee Yoo-jung pestered me, shaking my shoulder. Watching Ahn Hyun and Ahn Sol gagging, I pondered for a moment before realizing what she wanted and shook my head firmly.
“No.”
“Aww~. Why not~. Give it back already~. Please?”
“I’ll return it, but not yet. After the meeting.”
“Huh? Meeting? With me?”
“No, not you. Just wait a bit longer.”
“Fine. I don’t know what it is, but okay.”
Lee Yoo-jung tilted her head in confusion. I thought about the Scurep and the Headband of Purity I planned to give her, then activated my third eye out of curiosity. After all, Lee Yoo-jung was now a rare-class user. It would be a lie to say I wasn’t curious about her changes.
Name: Lee Yoo-jung (0 years)
Class: Gladiator of the Dawn (Rare, Runner)
Nation: Free Mercenary
Clan: Mercenary (Under performance evaluation)
True Name · Nationality: Fierce Female Cat · South Korea
Gender: Female (22)
Height · Weight: 166.3cm · 52.3kg
Disposition: Sharp · Aggressive
[Strength 67] [Endurance 69] [Agility 78] [Stamina 65] [Magic 72] [Luck 53]
(Remaining attribute points: 4 points)
<Achievements (0)>
<Special Abilities (1/1)>
<Potential Abilities (2/4)>
Dual Dagger Technique (Rank: C Plus)
Feline Martial Arts (Rank: E Zero)
“Giving her a rare class was the right choice.”
Her growth was impressive, but more importantly, her disposition had changed for the better. She was on the verge of becoming a bloodthirsty killer, but now she was back to her original self. Well, not quite, but considering her personality, this was a manageable improvement.
After examining her status for a while, I closed the window and resumed eating. Though the food had cooled a bit, Go Yeon-ju’s cooking was still delicious. As I ate, I glanced at Go Yeon-ju, noticing her nearly empty plates.
“Go Yeon-ju, it seemed like you had more to say.”
“Oh, no, it’s nothing. I’m not entirely sure myself. You said there’s a meeting tomorrow, right?”
“Yes.”
“I’ll look into it a bit more and let you know at the meeting.”
“Alright, understood.”
Listening to Go Yeon-ju’s languid voice, I responded calmly. Then, a faint sigh, whose source was unknown, drifted through the air and into my ears.
Monica, a southern city, Love House.
“I’m truly sorry, Ms. Hanna. I apologize on behalf of my clan members for their rudeness to you last time.”
On the first floor of Love House, two women were present. One had her hair neatly combed and wore a tidy mage’s robe, while the other was the madam of Love House, Im Hanna. The woman in the neat gray robe bowed her head toward Im Hanna.
Im Hanna waved her hands awkwardly, trying to dismiss the apology.
“No, it’s alright. If anything, I’m the one who should apologize for turning you down so abruptly. Please, don’t hold it against me.”
“Thank you for saying that. Honestly, things are a bit complicated on our end too. Yesul has feelings for Hyun-kyu, but he’s completely oblivious…”
“Hoho, as a fellow woman, I understand. I hope things work out for them soon.”
The woman finally lifted her head, and the two exchanged polite smiles. Yet, their laughter was hollow, devoid of genuine emotion.
As expected, the woman cleared her throat, preparing to get to the main point.
“And, Ms. Hanna, there’s one more thing I must apologize for.”
”…Yes?”
“As of today, the final approval has been given to convert Love House into a regular tavern.”
“Oh… I see.”
“Sigh. I’m really sorry. I know how much he cherished you. We shouldn’t be doing this, but circumstances have worsened. We’re at the point where we have to squeeze out whatever we can. I hate to bring this up while apologizing, but…”
As Im Hanna accepted the news more easily than expected, the woman eagerly continued with her prepared speech. Im Hanna nodded slightly, but her face clearly showed resignation.
The woman glanced at Im Hanna’s face and continued in a slightly softer voice.
“And you know, the perception of Love House isn’t great. After the recent rescue incident, he passed away. We can’t maintain this place any longer.”
”…”
“So, Ms. Hanna, given the situation, there’s no turning back now. Have you considered joining our clan? We won’t treat you poorly. If you’re worried about those two, you needn’t be.”
“My mind’s been a bit cluttered lately, with issues concerning the kids… I’m still thinking about what to do. I’ll consider your offer.”
“Please do. Oh, and Love House is scheduled for minor renovations in seven days, so until then, please take care.”
Having said her piece, the woman bowed politely once more and turned to leave.
Im Hanna watched her retreating figure, the sound of her heels clicking against the floor, unable to say a word, just quietly observing.
---------------------------= Author’s Note ---------------------------=
Hello, this is Ro Yujin.
Ahaha. Just a moment, dear readers. Please calm down. I’ve read many of your comments. There have been numerous discussions about the abilities, but unfortunately, the stamina levels have already been predetermined. As this chapter concludes, as hinted in the content, we plan to partially address the stamina issue through this opportunity. More details will be revealed in the next chapter with Seraph, so please put down the stones you’re holding. ^_ㅠ
PS. Interestingly enough, someone has already guessed how much we’ll increase it. -_-a
『 Reader Comments 』
Miwolya: Congratulations on being first. Haha. Yes, the minimum requirement for Hwajeong is indeed 90. While 101 is the full requirement, reaching 90 should help escape the current stamina issues.
Oricon: Suhyeon is no longer lacking in stamina. You’ll see a more confident Suhyeon in the next chapter. :) Especially in bed…
BrokenFan: Thank you for the fan art! I laughed for quite a while after seeing it. ㅋㅋㅋㅋ. :D
WoodSword: Of course, but haha, Hwajeong isn’t an easy opponent. Honestly, it’s impressive we’ve held on this long. More details will be revealed in the next chapter. :)
DontWantToJoin: The restrictions are the problem. ㅜ.ㅠ They’re terrible restrictions. Who on earth imposed them? (Me, me?!)
Hyunoh: Corrections have been made! Thank you!
[DeepBLue]: Haha. It’s not this chapter, but the next one. Please look forward to it. (__)
Eek: 101. It’s a level entirely different from 100. :) While the exact details will be described later, it’s truly powerful. Haha.
Cheonnyangboeun: I hope you enjoyed this chapter too! Oh, and thank you for the coupon last time. (__)
Flute: Haha. Ah, as for Vivian, whatever you imagine, you’ll see even more. This chapter is just a prelude. :)
Thank you for always reading. Your recommendations and comments are a great source of strength.
I hope you always read with a relaxed mind.
Recommendations, comments, critiques, and questions are always welcome.